Cleaning mechanism for recording apparatus



Nov. 30, 1965 E. B. LIPSKI CLEANING MECHANISM FOR RECORDING APPARATUS Filed July 24, 1962 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR. 6dward B. Lips/(L Nov. 30, 1965 E. B. LIPSKI CLEANING MECHANISM FOR RECORDING APPARATUS Filed July 24. 1962 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. Edward .Bipslei BY QM @6 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 E. B. LIPSKI CLEANING MECHANISM FOR RECORDING APPARATUS Filed July 24, 1962 Nov. 30, 1965 H ,LEEL

INVENTOR. 'dward .B. Lips/6L FIG 3 Nov. 30, 1965 E. B. LlPSKl 3,220,739

CLEANING MECHANISM FOR RECORDING APPARATUS Filed July 24, 1962 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 1 FICkG G 5 INVENTOR.

fidward .B. Lips/at wmw M Nov. 30, 1965 s 3,220,739

CLEANING MECHANISM FOR RECORDING APPARATUS Filed July 24, 1962 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 l/V l/EA/ rm. EDWARD B. L/PSK/ United States Patent 3,220,739 (ILEANING MECHANISM FOR RECORDING APPARATUS Edward B. Lipslti, Gal; Lawn, 111., assignor to Williams Electronic Manufacturing Corp, Chicago, Ill, a corporation of lliiuois Filed July 24, 1962, Ser. No. 212,043 11 Claims. (Cl. 27447) This invention relates to a cleaning mechanism for use in combination with a recording apparatus. The invention is particularly directed to a mechanism which can be employed in a recording vending machine whereby an individual can make a recording and then receive a completed record for his own use.

In recording mechanisms of the type referred to a plurality of record blanks are ordinarily disposed in a magazine and are adapted to be delivered to a turntable for recording. Where the mechanisms are employed as vending machines the recording operation ordinarily will take place after a predetermined number of coins have been inserted in the machine. Furthermore, such machines usually are provided with playback means so that an individual can hear the recording before it is removed from the machine.

During the recording operation it is necessary to provide a needle for cutting grooves in the surface of the record whereby shavings are formed and it is necessary to provide means for completely removing these shavings from the record surface. This is the case since the coating on the record blanks is generally formed of a highly inflammable material such as acetate and, therefore, the shavings could present a fire hazard if allowed to remain in the machine. Furthermore, the shavings, if not removed, would fall among parts of the mechanism which provide the operation of the recording apparatus and would thereby seriously disrupt the operation of these mechanisms. Thus, the presence of the shavings between mating gears, on cam surfaces or in other critical parts of the system can eventually make these components inoperative or can disturb critical operating relationships.

It is also necessary to remove the shavings in order to permit playback of the record since these shavings would otherwise interfere with the playback needle. Finally, it is desirable to provide a clean record surface whereby a more presentable product is dispensed from the machine.

It has been previously proposed that vacuum means be employed to draw the shavings from the record surface. It was quickly found, however, that such equipment could not be employed during recording since the noise made by its operation would be picked up on the record. It was, therefore, necessary to provide for operation of the vacuum apparatus subsequent to recording, however, the mechanisms which were incorporated in prior systems did not satisfactorily carry out the cleaning procedure. Thus, prior systems have been characterized by undue delay in effecting cleaning, by incomplete removal of shavings, by unduly complicated and expensive components, as well as other defects.

It is the object of this invention to provide an improved means for disposing of shavings formed in the cutting of record blanks whereby efiicient operation of the recording making apparatus is facilitated.

It is a more particular object of this invention to provide a vacuum cleaning means for record blanks which have been cut in a recording apparatus, the cleaning means being adapted to operate quickly and efficiently to thereby avoid difiiculties in the operation of the machine to avoid undue delay in the preparation of a record.

It is an additional object of this invention to provide a vacuum cleaning means for records which is character- 'ice ized by a relatively uncomplicated structure and which includes a cycle of operation adapted to effect complete removal of shavings from records and adjacent parts whereby a high efficient operation of recording apparatus is made possible.

These and other objects of this invention will appear hereinafter and, for purposes of illustration, but not of limitation, specific embodiments of this invention are shown in the accompanying drawings, in which FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a recording apparatus characterized by the features of this invention;

FIGURE 2 is a plan view of the recording turntable and surrounding structure, illustrating the relationship of the vacuum cleaning mechanism during its operation;

FIGURE 3 is an elevational view, partly in section, illustrating the relationship of the cleaning tube and turntable and their associated operating mechanisms when in the cleaning position;

FIGURE 4 is an elevational view, partly in section, of the turntable and cleaning mechanism when the mechanism is in a retracted position;

FIGURE 5 is an elevational view, partly in section, of the cleaning tube, illustrating the mounting assembly therefor;

FIGURE 6 is a plan view of a rotary disc, illustrating the cam surfaces thereon which operate to control the level of the turntable;

FIGURE 7 is a perspective view, looking downwardly, of a record feed mechanism adapted for incorporation with the cleaning mechanism of the present invention; and

FIGURE 8 is a detailed view of the slide plate employed in the record feeding operation.

The cleaning mechanism of this invention is particularly suitable for use in combination with a unit 10 of the type shown in the accompanying drawings; however, other applications for the inventive system will be obvious to those skilled in the art. The unit is particularly designed for vending purposes and this type of application represents a highly suitable use of the mechanism.

Vending units which are suitably modified by the use of the cleaning mechanism of this invention include means for disposing a record on a turntable and a recording or cutting needle is then brought into contact with the record. An individual speaks into a microphone While the needle is cutting whereby the desired groove formation can be realized. The vending units are then ordinarily adapted to provide for playback of the recorded material and the record is then discharged from the machine.

The vacuum cleaning mechanism of this invention generally includes a flexible tubular member terminating in an open end adjacent the recording turntable. A rnounting means is provided for movably supporting this open end portion of the tube. This mounting means is adapted to move the intake end of the tube and, therefore, the mounting means will position the mechanism at certain predetermined points during an operating cycle. Specifically, the mounting means is adapted to position the cleaning mechanism for removing shavings from a record immediately after the record has been cut. Furthermore, the mounting means is adapted to clear the turntable near the end of a recording and playback cycle whereby a new record blank can be deposited therein. Once a new blank has been disposed on the turntable, a final clean-up is preferably effected by the cleaning mechanism and the entire apparatus will then be set for the next recording cycle.

The mounting means for the cleaning mechanism is preferably operatively connected to the means of disposing a new record blank on the turntable. In an arrangement of this type the disposing means for a new record blank is adapted to move the cleaning mechanism to clear the turntable while the disposing means is positioning a new record blank on the turntable.

When the disposing means repositions itself to prepare for handling of the next record blank it will, at the same time, locate the cleaning mechanism for its described functions.

The operation of the vacuum cleaning means is undertaken in such a way that maximum removal of shavings from a recently cut blank is effected. To accomplish this the mounting means for the cleaning apparatus moves in synchronization with the turntable whereby removal of the shavings takes place when these members are positioned in a desired relationship. Specifically the means for positioning the turntable at a given level are operated just prior to operation of the vacuum cleaning means whereby the removal of shavings takes place at a precise period in the recording cycle. Furthermore, the cleaning operation is carried out at a time when the recording arm is out of contact with the record blank so that shavings will not hang on the recording needle.

The accompanying drawings, illustrating a typical recording unit 10 willserve to provide a specific example of the inventive concepts referred to above. The structure shown includes frame members 12 supporting a first level 14 which, in turn, supports an upper level 16 by means of corner posts 18. Pillars 20 disposed on this upper level are provided for supporting mechanisms which are adapted to deposit record blanks 22 on the turntable 24 located on this level. A centrally located guide pin 26 on turntable 24 passes through a center hole in the blank in order to center the blank while a radially offset pin 28 is received in one of the slots 30 of the blank to insure rotation of the blank with the turntable.

Disposed on the upper level of the turntable are a record cutting arm 32 and a playback arm 34. Each of these arms is pivotally mounted at its end to enable traverse of the record blank during recording and playback. With reference to the playback arm 34, a shaft 36 associated therewith extends through the level 16 to a journal 38 on the lower level 14. A bracket 40 is connected to the shaft and the bracket is operatively engaged with a pin 42 extending from the arm 44 of a cam element 46. This cam element 46 is pivotally mounted at 48 and is provided with a cam follower arm 50 which extends into contact with cam surface 52 on a rotary disc 54.

In the operation of the mechanism, the cam follower 50 causes pivoting of the cam element as it passes in contact with the cam surface. This, in turn, results in movement of the bracket 40, shaft 36, and accordingly the arm 34. The cam surface is designed so that this arm will swing to the outer edge of the record to begin playback, will then traverse the grooves formed therein, and will then swing clear of the record. A similar mechanism is provided for the cutting arm 34 so that this arm can be positioned at the outer edge of a blank, can traverse the blank radially inwardly to cut grooves therein and can then be swung clear to a position at the side of the turntable.

The rotary disc means 54 which has the cam surfaces defined thereon is fixed to a sleeve 56. This sleeve rotates freely about a central shaft 57 which is driven by means of a motor 58. The turntable 24 is fixed to the shaft 57 whereby rotary movement of the turntable is effected while the motor 58 is energized.

A second motor (not shown) is provided for driving gear 60 which is tied to the sleeve 56. Operation of this motor serves to rotate the disc 54. The gear 60 is driven by worm 62 which also operates flexible drive shaft 64 in close proximity to the side of the turntable and it will be noted that the edges of the record overhang this table. Accordingly, lowering of the table results in settling of the record on the conveyor. A discharge chute 74 is provided at the end of the conveyor whereby a completed record can be received by a customer.

Raising and lowering of the turntable is accomplished by means of a crank 76 having an arm 78 which is secured by means of a pivotal connection 80 to the bottom of the turntable. The fulcrum 82 of the crank is fastened to the level 16 of the unit and the other arm 84 thereof extends downwardly into abutting relationship with a shoulder 86 on a sliding member 88. This member is adapted to slide in a reciprocating manner in a track form by the fixture 90 which is mounted on the level 14.

At the end of the slide member 88 there is provided a cam wheel 82 which rides on the cam surface 94 of the rotary disc means 54. This cam surface (see FIGURE 6) includes three depressed portions 96, 8 and 100. As the cam wheel traverses the surface 94, the weight of the turntable, transmitted through crank 76 and slide member 88, holds the wheel tightly against the cam surface. Accordingly, when a depressed portion in the surface is reached, the table will be lowered as the wheel moves into the depression.

The vacuum cleaner structure comprises a hollow fiexible tube 192 which terminates at one end in a vacuum motor 102 and a collecting receptacle 102", which are schematically illustrated in FIGURE 1. An intake end 164 is located at the upper end of the flexible tube adjacent the turntable. A clamp 106 is tightened around the intake end by means of a bolt 108, and extending from the sides of the clamp are a pair of pins 110. Channeled washer means 112 are rotatably fixed to these pins and the washer means are adapted to ride on the horizontal edges 114 of a pair of slots defined in the legs of a U- shaped bracket 116. The base of this bracket is fixed to the level 16 of the unit by means of a screw 118.

A rod extends through the bracket and the opposite ends thereof provide pivotal mounts for a pair of arms 122 formed on an inverted U-shaped member 124. Links 126 connect these arms and pins 110 on the clamp 106. Secured to the base of the member 124 is a member 128 which terminates in stud means 130. This stud means is received in an aperture 132 defined by bracket member 134. The bracket member is adapted to be reciprocally moved to thereby engage the stud whereby the arms 122 are pivoted about the rod 120. This results in movements of the assembly handling the intake end of the tube through action of links 126. In this manner the intake end can be positioned for removal of shavings and then can be cleared away from the turntable when a recording blank is to be deposited thereon. Furthermore, the intake end is in position for cleaning operations at other stages of the cycle.

A lift lever 136 is attached to the bolt 108 and to a pin 11!) whereby the lever moves in conjunction with the clamp 106. A stud 138 is provided in the upper end of this lever and the stud rides on the top edge 140 of the U-shaped bracket 116. A taper on this edge is provided at 142 whereby the stud 138 can move down when it passes to this point on the edge and the intake end of the vacuum cleaning means also can be tilted downwardly by reason of the pivotal mounting thereof.

A pin 144 is pivotally secured to the arm 78 of the crank 76 and this pin is vertically movable in an opening provided in the level 16. An adjustable screw 148 is fitted in the upper end of the pin and this screw engages the underside of the intake 104 to determine the level of the intake with respect to record 22. By adjusting the screw 148 contact of the intake with the record surfaces can be avoided while still providing close proximity of the members during cleaning. It also will be apparent when considering FIGURE 3, that lowering of the turntable will result in downward movement of the pin 144 and associated screw 148. By reason of the pivotal mounting of the intake end, the cleaning means is adapted to tilt downwardly when the turntable is lowered.

It is preferred to utilize the cleaning assembly in combination with means for depositing record blanks on the turntable. Thus, a record feed mechanism 200 (see FIG- URE 7) is provided in order to automatically direct record blanks 22 onto the turntable 24 by means of a spindle rod 146 adapted to receive blanks from a magazine containing several blanks. A unit of this type is disclosed in detail in applicants co-pending application, Record Feed Mechanism, Serial No. 212,017, filed July 24, 1962.

The structure and operation of mechanism 200 in combination with the cleaning mechanism of the present invention may be briefly described as follows. As best seen in FIGURE 7, a mounting plate 202 is provided with four tabs 204, which are adapted to be mounted on previously described pillars 20. Plate 202 has an opening 211 formed therein for a purpose that will hereinafter appear.

A plurality of pillars, comprising a front pair 206 and a rear pair 208 which cooperate with an annular wall 210 to define a magazine for storing a stack of record blanks, are fixed to the mounting plate 202 by conventional means. A plate 156 is slidably attached to mounting plate 202 and extends substantially throughout the length thereof. The slide plate 156, which is best seen in FIGURE 8, includes a large cut-away center portion terminating at one end in a toothed portion 158. A motor 212 is provided in order to impart reciprocal movement to the slide plate 156 by conventional means (not shown) which cooperate with the toothed portion 158. Thus, when motor 212 is energized, slide plate 156 reciprocates in mounting plate 202.

At the end of slide plate 156 opposite toothed portion 158, engaging edges 160, 162 are defined. The pair of edges 160 are beveled to provide relatively blunt pusher ends adapted to engage the bottommost record blank in the magazine and move it laterally into opening 211 in plate 202. Edge 162 is beveled to provide a relatively narrow end, such that edge 162 is sharper than edges 160. Edge 162 is adapted to move under the stack of records piled over the record being pushed by the engaging edges 160. Thus, the bottommost record blank 22 in the magazine will be removed from beneath the remaining record blanks when the slide plate 156 moves beneath the magazine.

In this manner, a single record blank 22 is moved from the magazine into opening 211 wherein it is positioned over the turntable 24. However, a pair of release mechanisms 214 are provided in order to prevent the record blank 22 from dropping downwardly as soon as it reaches opening 211. The release mechanisms include a pair of drop plates (not shown) which are slidably positioned beneath plate 202 so as to support the edges of blank 22. Each drop plate is linked to one end of a crank 216 which pivots about a shaft 218. The cranks 216 are biased by a pair of tension springs 220 so that the drop plates normally block opening 211 in plate 202 and prevent the blank 22 from dropping downwardly. However, pivotal movement of each of the cranks 216 results in movement of the drop plates from beneath opening 211 whereby the blank is free to move downwardly under the influence of gravity.

The pivotal movement of each of the cranks 216 results from an engagement of the ends 222 thereof with abutment means 224 fastened to a cross member 226. The cross member 226 is disposed for vertical movement on a pair of posts 228 which are mounted on the plate 202. A drive disc 230 is adapted to be rotated by a motor 232 in a conventional manner and rotation of disc 230 is adapted to impart vertical movement to the cross member 226.

A centrally located, out-turned member 238 is formed on the cross member 226. The spindle rod 146 passes through the member 238 and through a sleeve 240 which is secured to the rod 146. Member 238 engages the sleeve 240 during vertical upward movement of the cross member 226, thereby raising the spindle rod 146. A spring 242 is located between the member 238 and a second sleeve 244 which is secured to the spindle rod 146 at a lower point on the rod 146. Rod 146 is shown in its raised position in FIGURE 7 and in its lowered position in FIGURE 3.

Spindle rod 146 is centrally located with respect to a record blank 22 disposed over the turntable 24 in opening 211 in mounting plate 202. When spindle rod 146 is disposed in its lowered position, the tapered end thereof is adapted to be received in the centrally located guide pin 26 on turntable 24 (see FIGURE 3). However, the tapered end of rod 146 is preferably not in direct contact with pin 26 in order that driving clearance be obtained during the recording operation.

The operation of the record feed mechanism 200 may briefly be described as follows. Assuming that spindle 146 is in its raised position, energization of motor 212 causes slide plate 156 to reciprocate. As plate 156 moves out from under the magazine, a record blank 22 is moved into opening 21 wherein the blank is positioned over the turntable 24. When a record blank 22 is properly moved into position it cannot drop because of the action of the previously described drop plates. However, when the cross member 226 moves downwardly, the abutment means 224 thereon engage the ends 222 of cranks 216 whereby the drop plates are retracted. At the same time, spindle rod 146 is lowered so that the tapered end thereof is positioned within the guide pin 26. These parts are so arranged that rod 146 passes through the center hole 25 of blank 22 and is in its lowered position by the time the release mechanisms 214 operate. Thus, the blank 22 will be confined during its downward movement by the spindle rod 146 and will settle onto the turntable 24 in the proper position. The blank is then ready for recording.

At the end of the recording cycle, motor 232 will again be energized thereby causing cross member 226 and spindle rod 146 to be moved upwardly to their respective starting positions.

Ordinarily, the disclosed record cleaning unit comprises part of a vending machine and, accordingly, the operation thereof is initiated once the necessary number of coins have been deposited. This condition will result in operation of the motor 58 and the motor operating the gear 60 so that rotation of the disc means 54 and turntable 24 will commence. The cam follower operatively connected to the cutting arm 32 will, in response to rotation of disc 54, move the cutting arm over the surface of the blank and will cut a spiral groove therein as an individual speaks into a microphone. The cam wheel 92 will be moved into the recess 98 when rotation of the disc begins. At this time the wheel will move radially outwardly, and the turntable 24 will, therefore, be moved downwardly so that the needle on the cutting arm can move into its initial position. When the wheel 92 moves out of the recess 98, the table will rise to meet the needle and cutting of the groove will then begin.

The recess 96 in the disc 54 causes the table to move downwardly at the end of the cutting operation and at this time the vacuum motor is energized and the shavings removed. The location of the recess 96 is such that the table will begin to move downwardly before the cleaning operation begins. The cleaning operation preferably begins only after the needle has been cleared from contact with the surface so that no chips nor shavings will hang up on the cutting needle. Furthermore, the magazine spindle 146 should be cleared with respect to the guide pin 26 to avoid clinging of shavings to the spindle.

When the turntable 24 is lowered, the pin 144 associated with crank arm 78 also will move down. This will result in pivoting of the intake end 104 of the cleaning means. It has been found that this arrangement providing for tilting of the cleaning means with respect to the turntable enables highly effective removal of chips and shavings.

As the rotation of the disc 54 continues, the cam associated with the playback arm 34 will move this arm to the edge of the turntable to begin playback. At the same time, the cam wheel 92 will move out of the recess 96 and, accordingly, the turntable again will rise to meet the playback needle.

At the end of the playback, the cam wheel 92 falls into recess 100 whereby the table is lowered as the playback head clears. It will be noted that the recess 100 is deeper than the recesses 96 and 98 and, accordingly, the turntable is lowered a greater amount when the recess 1% is encountered. This amount is sufficient for the overhanging edges of the cut record to engage the conveyor belts 70 and the record is therefore lifted relative to the table whereby it clears center pin 26 and is transported to delivery chute 74.

When the turntable lowers for transfer of the cut record, it is preferred to discontinue rotation thereof by stopping motor 58. A more positive removal of the record can be accomplished with this arrangement. To provide for stopping of the motor while gear 60 and rotary disc 54 continue to rotate, one of the cam switches 150 can be employed. The cam switches 150 shown in FIGURE 1 are rotated by means of gear 152 which is connected to the sleeve 56. In addition to providing for stopping of the motor 58 during transfer of a cut record, the bank of switches shown can be employed for synchronizing various other portions of a recording cycle. In particular, these switches can be employed for initiating operation of the cleaning mechanism shortly after the cam wheel 92 encounters the recess 96 on the rotary disc 54.

These switches also are preferably employed for initiating operation when a vend condition is realized, for energizing cutter and playback relays and various signal lights associated therewith, for energizing coin changing relays, for energizing the cleaning unit near the end of the recording cycle and for other purposes, such as controlling the energization of spindle operating motor 232.

As the cam wheel 92 rises out of recess 1% the turntable moves upwardly whereby the pin 26 and the spindle 146 again will be disposed adjacent each other. At this time the record feed mechanism 201 operates to drop a new record blank on to the turntable. The cleaning assembly is then positioned as shown in FIGURES 2 and 4 and a final clean-up can take place at this time. The cycle then comes to an end with the unit in readiness for a new cycle to begin.

As previously noted, it is preferred to have the cleaning assembly operatively connected to the means for depositing record blanks on the turntable. Specifically, it is preferred to provide a device such as the previously de' scribed record feed mechanism 200.

The position of the bracket 134 and the slide plate 156 determines the position of the intake end 104 of the cleaning means. In FIGURE 3, the plate and bracket are in a position such that the next record blank to be delivered still is in the magazine although it is engaged by abutting edges of the slide plate 156. When the record being cut is removed from the turntable at the end of a cycle, the spindle 146 moves up and the slide plate 156 and record blank engaged thereon move to the position shown in FIGURE 4. This movement causes the intake end of the cleaning means to clear the turntable.

The spindle 146 now moves down adjacent the turntable and the blank is then released so that it will be guided by the spindle to its proper position. The slide plate 156 then moves back into position to receive a new blank from the magazine and this movement of the slide plate 156 causes the cleaning means to assume the position shown in FIGURE 3. The blank on the turntable is preferably cleaned at this time and the unit is then ready for the next cycle.

It will be apparent that there has been described a cleaning mechanism which is characterized by a highly efiicient operation. It will be understood that various applications for the mechanisms are contemplated and that various changes can be made in the structure thereof which provide the characteristics of this invention without departing from the spirit of the invention, particularly as defined in the following claims.

I claim:

1. In an apparatus for producing records from record blanks wherein a plurality of blanks are deposited in a magazine and means are provided for moving said blanks, one at a time, to a turntable, whereby a groove can be cut therein by means of a record needle and including means for playing back the recorded matter, the improvement comprising a sliding plate means having a blank handling portion reciprocally moveable to said magazine for receiving a record blank and moveable to a position over said turntable to deposit said blank thereon, cleaning means operatively connected to said sliding plate and adapted to assume a retracted position away from said turntable when said plate is depositing a blank thereon and adapted to assume a cleaning position when the blank handling portion of the plate is moved to said magazine, said cleaning means comprising a hollow tubular member with the intake end thereof disposed over said turntable when in the cleaning position, means for initiating cleaning by said cleaning means after a blank is deposited on said turntable and before cutting, means for lowering said turntable immediately after said cutting, and means for initiating cleaning to remove shavings after said lowering begins.

2. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1 including a spindle extending vertically from the center of said turntable, said spindle being detached from said turntable whereby said lowering of the turntable results in clearing of said turntable from the lower end of said spindle so that said shavings will not hang on the spindle when the cleaning operation begins.

3. In an apparatus for producing records from record blanks wherein the blanks are deposited on a turntable and a groove is cut therein by means of a recording needle, and including means for playing back the record after the cutting operation, the improvement comprising means for cleaning record blanks and for removing the shavings formed during preparation of the record, including vacuum cleaning means terminating in an intake end, a reciprocally driven mounting assembly for said cleaning means, means for driving said assembly to a position over the surface of a record with said intake end being positioned in close proximity with the surface of said record, means for retracting said cleaning means to a position clearing said turntable, means for lowering said turntable immediately after completion of the cutting operation, means for initiating a cleaning operation as said turntable is lowered, pin means supporting said intake end when it is in said cleaning position, said pin means being connected to the means for lowering the turntable and being lowered therewith, and said intake being pivotally connected at said mounting assembly whereby lowering of said support pin means causes said intake end to pivot downwardly to the surface of said record.

4. In an apparatus for producing records from record blanks wherein the blanks are deposited on a turntable and a groove is cut therein by means of a recording needle, and including means for playing back the record after the cutting operation, the improvement comprising means for cleaning record blanks and for removing the shavings formed during preparation of the record, including vacuum cleaning means terminating in an intake end, a reciprocally driven mounting assembly for said cleaning means, means for driving said assembly to a position over the surface of a record with said intake end being positioned in close proximity with the surface of said record, means for retracting said cleaning means to a position clearing said turntable, a conveyor means located beneath the turntable and including a pair of endless belts straddling the sides of the turntable, said record overhanging the edges of said turntable, means for lowering the turntable after completion of playback whereby the said edges engage the belts, and means for driving said belts to permit removal of the record from the turntable.

5. In an apparatus for producing records from record blanks wherein the blanks are deposited on a turntable and a groove is cut therein by means of a recording needle, the improvement comprising means for cleaning record blanks and for removing the shavings formed during preparation of a record, said means including a cleaning member terminating in an intake end, a reciprocally driven mounting assembly for said cleaning member, means independent of said recording needle for driving said assembly transversely from a position adjacent the outer periphery of a record to a position over the surface of a record with said intake end being positioned in close proximity with the surface of said record, means for retracting said cleaning means to a position clearing said turntable, and means for initiating a cleaning operation after the complete cutting of a record and before the cutting of another record.

6. An apparatus in accordance with claim wherein the mounting assembly for said cleaning means includes means for tilting said intake end downwardly into close proximity with the surface of a cut record for removing said shavings therefrom, means for lowering said turntable as said intake end is so tilted and means associated with the means for lowering the turntable adapted to limit the tilting movement of said intake end.

7. An apparatus in accordance with claim 5 wherein said blanks are deposited on said turntable by means of a reciprocally mounted sliding plate moveable in communication with a magazine adapted to hold a plurality of blanks, bracket means secured to said plate and operatively connected to said means for driving said assembly, movement of said sliding plate and associated bracket operating to move said intake end from said turntable to permit depositing of a record thereon and operating to reposition said intake end for cleaning after a record is deposited.

8. An apparatus in accordance with claim 5 and further comprising means for removing a cut record from the turntable and means for depositing a new record blank thereon.

9. In an apparatus for producing records from record blanks wherein the blanks are deposited on a turntable and a groove is cut therein by means of a recording needle, the improvement comprising means for cleaning rec- 0rd blanks and for removing the shavings formed during preparation of a record, said means including a cleaning member terminating in an intake end, a reciprocally driven mounting assembly for said cleaning member, means for driving said assembly transversely from a position adjacent the outer periphery of a record to a position over the surface of a record with said intake end being positioned in close proximity with the surface of said record, means for retracting said cleaning means to a position clearing said turntable, means for initiating a cleaning operation after preparation of a record, and means for initiating a cleaning operation before the preparation of a record whereby a record blank is cleaned before cutting.

19. In an apparatus for producing records from record blanks wherein the blanks are deposited on a turntable and a groove is cut therein by means of a recording needle, and including means for playing back the record after the cutting operation, the improvement for cleaning record blanks and for removing the shavings formed during preparation of a record, said improvement comprising vacuum cleaning means terminating in an intake end, a

eciprocally driven mounting assembly for said cleaning means, means independent of said recording needle for driving said assembly transversely from a position adjacent the outer periphery of a record to a position over the surface of a record with said intake end being positioned in close proximity with the surface of said record, means for retracting said cleaning means to a position clearing said turntable, and means for initiating a cleaning operation after the complete cutting of a record and before the cutting of another record.

11. An apparatus in accordance with claim 10 wherein said blanks are deposited on said turntable by means of a reciprocally mounted sliding plate moveable in communication with a magazine adapted to hold a plurality of blanks, bracket means secured to said plate and operatively connected to said means for driving said assembly, movement of said slide plate being adapted to clear said intake end from said turntable to permit depositing of a record thereon and being adapted to reposition said intake end for cleaning after a record is deposited.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,2 29,430 1/ 1941 Warner 274-46 FOREIGN PATENTS 3 88,023 2/ 1933 Great Britain. 596,245 12/ 1947 Great Britain. 643,925 9/ 1950 Great Britain.

NORTON ANSHER, Primary Examiner. 

10. IN AN APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING RECORDS FROM RECORD BLANKS WHEREIN THE BLANKS ARE DEPOSITED ON A TURNTABLE AND A GROOVE IS CUT THEREIN BY MEANS OF A RECORDING NEEDLE, AND INCLUDING MEANS FOR PLAYING BACK THE RECORD AFTER THE CUTTING OPERATION, THE IMPROVEMENT FOR CLEANING RECORD BLANKS AND FOR REMOVING THE SHAVINGS FORMED DURING PREPARATION OF A RECORD, SAID IMPROVEMENT COMPRISING VACUUM CLEANING MEANS TERMINATING IN AN INTAKE END, A RECIPROCALLY DRIVEN MOUNTING ASSEMBLY FOR SAID CLEANING MEANS, MEANS INDEPENDENT OF SAID RECORDING NEEDLE FOR DRIVING SAID ASSEMBLY TRANSVERSELY FROM A POSTION ADJACENT THE OUTER PERIPHERY OF A RECORD TO A POSITION OVER THE SURFACE OF A RECORD WITH SAID INTAKE END BEING POSITIONED IN CLOSE PROXIMITY WITH THE SURFACE OF SAID RECORD, MEANS FOR RETRACTING SAID CLEANING MEANS TO A POSITION CLEARING SAID TURNTABLE, AND MEANS FOR INITIATING A CLEANING OPERATION AFTER THE COMPLETE CUTTING OF A RECORD AND BEFORE THE CUTTING OF ANOTHER RECORD. 